What is Head Space?

RugerNiner

August 21, 2002 18:20

What is Head Space and how do I measure it?

I just found out it's not good to change barrels in my Ruger P-Series guns because the difference in head space could be dangerous.

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  dheffley

  August 21, 2002 18:36

  Head space is the spacing measurement between the bolt face (or the slide face) where the head of the case (primer end of the shell) stops in relation to the gage point (or end in a straight case)of the chamber in the barrel. It is more critical on a taper style or neck style cartridge than a straight style cartridge. On straight style chambers, its more a measurement to the end of the chamber. It is very critical on rifles, and can case a catastrofic failure in some cases, though it's rare. Usually, it just distroys the brass. It can be measured on straight case chambers using machinist measureing instruments. On tapered chambers, it can be measured using the same instruments and precision tooling balls to calculate the gage point. It is much easier to use a head space gage in all instances. Midway sells them. I doubt that you would find enough difference in the P'series barrels to make a problem, but if Ruger says it would, you better believe them.
  
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  Edited by - dheffley on 08/21/2002 22:38:17

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  RugerNiner

  August 21, 2002 18:45

  dheffley;
  
  Thanks for the info. I read it in a book about Ruger "P" Models by Duncan Long. Not By Ruger.
  
  Now that I know what it is I can't see where it would matter. When I take a round an set it in the chamber ,they all sit up a slight bit, none fit flush in the barrel.
  
  Remember...Terrorist are attacking Civilians; Not the Government. Protect Yourself!

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  jonk

  August 21, 2002 18:45

  That's a good description, but to make it simple- headspace is the amount of room left in a chamber when the round is inserted, either ahead of the rim in rimmed cartridges or ahead of the shoulder in rimless bottlenecked cartridges. Wiggle room if you like. Too much or too little isn't good; most any gun with matching numbers won't have problems; if you want to change barrels on ANY gun, a set of tools called "go/no go" gauges will take care of it if you do it yourself, or a smith can do it easily. The problems start if you need to have the chamber reamed out some or the threads re-cut.
  
  "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf

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  vallopez2000

  August 22, 2002 05:40

  First, try this URL for an explanation of Headspacing: www.hybrid.ualr.edu/satu/headspace.html
  
  Then try this one for more enlightenment: www.fulton-armory.com/headspace.htm

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